Large-Scale Neo-Cartilage Engineering: regenerative treatment technologies for osteoarthritis (LS-NeoCarE)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting over 1.5 million people in the Netherlands, causing an estimated annual economic burden of €1.3 billion. Artificial joint replacements are effective for those with end stage disease and an age of 70 years and older. In the 60 years and younger population, revision surgery is often needed, and thus a more durable option is needed. Regenerative cartilage treatments have also been developed, but are only successful for a minority with focal defects and otherwise healthy joints, i.e. not OA. This consortium aims to enable the engineering of large-scale neo-cartilage implants. This will open regenerative treatment options for patients with substantial joint surface-degeneration, thereby creating a sustainable solution for people suffering from OA. To establish such a ground-breaking treatment, this project will develop novel key technologies in the areas of sustainable stem cells, immune-engineering, large-scale bioreactors, 3D-printing, biofabrication and pre-implantation maturation platforms. Furthermore, implementing an organ-on-a-chip device for our own research will also enable others to use it for early-detection, efficient drug and cell screening, as well as personalized selections thereof. Utilization strategy will be defined in close collaboration with patient representatives, clinical, commercial, provider and governmental partners to make these empowering technical developments ready for commercialization. Investment in these treatment technologies will, therefore, contribute to the Dutch National Research Agenda routes ‘Regenerative medicine’ (primary), as well as ‘Materials – Made in Holland’ and ‘Personalised medicine’.